Crustacean insights

Gangwon Province has been evaluated for showing noticeable achievements in resolving the operational hardships of fishermen and improving systems by actively identifying and addressing operational disputes and difficulties that fishermen are experiencing on the job site since the opening of the second office building. The dispute over the capture of large crabs by Gyeongbuk near-sea trawling vessels last year was resolved by continuously proposing to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the National Assembly, resulting in the amendment of the 'Enforcement Decree of the Fisheries Act' (effective January 12, 2024) to include a clause prohibiting year-round large crab operations in the near-sea trawling of Gangwon coastal areas. Daegu was selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' '2024 Fisheries Regulation Relaxation Pilot Project (July 2024 to June 2025)' and, as a result of adjusting the fishing closure period to March this year, 5

Vietnam has become the second-largest supplier, with a supply volume of approximately 16,000 tons, followed by Canada, with a supply volume of about 11,000 tons. The average import price of crabs in China reached $15,763 per ton, more stable compared to 2023 but still below the peak value of 2022. The consumption volume of the Chinese crab market is expected to reach approximately 2 million tons in 2024, a 1.1% increase from 2023, with a market value of $17.4 billion (an increase of 2.7%). The consumption volume of the Chinese crab market accounts for more than 50% of the global crab production, and with a trade volume of $2.1 billion in 2024, it has become the world's largest importer of crabs. From January to May 2025, Vietnam's crab exports to mainland China and Hong Kong amounted to $80 million, a year-on-year increase of 71%, with exports to this key market surging 71% compared to the same period last year, reaching nearly $80 million. Vietnamese enterprises are leveraging stable supply chains, continuously improving product quality, and flexible supply capabilities to enhance their competitive advantage. Their crab products are positioned in the mid-to-high-end market, available in chain restaurants, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. The sustained growth of China's crab market is due to changing consumer trends. The increase in disposable income and the robust recovery of the catering industry post-pandemic has significantly boosted demand for high-end products, including live crabs and high-end processed products. Urban consumers increasingly favor convenient and easy-to-prepare packaged crab products, which also emphasize environmental protection and traceability certification. China's crab imports are expected to continue growing by 5%-10% in 2025, with domestic consumption also expected to increase slightly. Among various supplier countries, especially Vietnam, Russia, and Canada, significant market opportunities will be gained by consistently meeting quality standards, ensuring food safety, and providing reliable traceability. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) predicts that if Vietnamese enterprises can effectively utilize market opening opportunities and the booming trend of high-end consumption, Vietnam's crab exports to China are expected to reach $200 million by the end of 2025. China will continue to be an important export market for Vietnamese crabs, alongside other major destinations such as Japan, the United States, and South Korea.

[Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Newspaper=Reporter Nara Park] The Chungnam Province government (Governor Kim Tae-heum) has launched multifaceted support to boost the consumption of domestic seafood, promote the breeding of hairtails, and restore the resources of crab during the summer season. To encourage consumption, the government is holding a traditional market rebate event and providing support for the settlement of fishing villages through on-site hairtail education. Additionally, by releasing young crabs, the government is accelerating the creation of a sustainable fishing foundation in the West Sea. Purchase of domestic seafood entitles one to a maximum of 20,000 won in Onnuri vouchers... Seven traditional markets in Cheonan, Boryeong, and Seocheon participating. The Chungnam Province government, in preparation for the full summer holiday season, is encouraging the use of traditional markets and promoting seafood consumption by holding an "Onnuri" event from August 1 to 5.